Nine things you might not know about the University of Stirling

A group of students walking on campus

Heading to the University of Stirling this September? Studying here is an unforgettable experience. Discover more about us to see why.

We bleed green

We’re Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence. All our teams play in green. The Sports Union has more than 50 sporting clubs. From American Football to Ultimate Frisbee there’s something for everyone, whether you’re a competitive athlete or just looking for some fun exercise. Take a look at all our sports facilities.

University of Stirling American Football team The Clansmen
Cheer on our four-time National Champions, the Clansmen!

We have our very own 18th century castle

Our campus is home to Airthrey Castle. It was built in 1791 to a design by influential architect Robert Adam. The castle has served as everything from a grand residence to a maternity hospital!

You may see a giant furry squirrel around campus!

If you see a six foot tall squirrel wearing a Stirling t-shirt then it’s probably our mascot Stirling Squirrel! Stirling Squirrel likes to be around to welcome you to campus – make sure you say hi or get a selfie.

Squirrel and student standing together
Meet Stirling Squirrel!

Not everyone has to decide what to study right away

Our flexible learning degrees put you in control of developing your education. We have over 220 subject combinations to choose from. You’ll be allowed to continue with these subjects – or keep on trying new ones – until halfway through your second year. Find out more about our flexible degrees.

Art lovers are in for a real treat!

We have a large, prestigious art collection with more than 500 works including paintings, sketches, tapestries, sculpture and silver. You can wander around these treasures at your own leisure, go on organised tours or visit the different exhibitions. See more about the Art Collection.

Adam and Eve sculpture outside the Pathfoot building
Adam and Eve sculpture outside the Pathfoot building

You’ll be studying in the World’s most welcoming country and favourite destination (The Rough Guide 2017)

In the Rough Guide’s reader awards Scotland was voted as their number one destination. You’ll be able to explore the vibrant cities, historic landmarks and breath-taking scenery for yourself as Stirling’s central locations means travelling about couldn’t be easier.

You don’t have to go into the city for a cinema

The Macrobert Arts Centre is home to a modern 135-seat cinema showing all the latest films as well as cult classics and live screenings from places such as the National Theatre and Royal Opera House. See what’s on.

You could become a wizard for a semester or play at an Open Mic night

There’s over 70 clubs and societies for you to join here at Stirling. Here’s just a few of the groups you can get involved in:

Brig Newspaper

Come and write for the University’s student newspaper and website. It’s not just Journalism students who can join – it’s for anyone who wants to write.

Stirling Film Society

If you’re passionate about film and screen then come along to debate and celebrate cinema in all its forms. As well as weekly film screenings there’s monthly socials and trips to film screenings outside the University.

International Society

Want to mix with students from across the globe? Join the International Society to explore Scotland while making new friends. We have over 120 nationalities represented on campus.

Live Music Society

Are you a budding musician? All instruments, skill levels and tastes are welcome at the society. They offer both electric and acoustic sessions. They host an Open Mic night each week in the Students’ Union.

live music society
Find your future band mates!

The Order of Stirling Wizarding Society

Have you read or watched Harry Potter many times? This society is for all fans of Harry Potter. Past meetings have included a fanfiction competition, scavenger hunts, and a Trelawney Night. Last year they even held their very own semester at Hogwarts!

Vegan and Vegetarian Society

All vegans, vegetarians, pescatarians and anyone interested is invited to join. Find out how to eat vegan on a budget, share delicious banquets of vegan meals and just chat with likeminded people.

Check out all the different clubs and societies you could join. You can even start your own club.

You’ll never be stuck for something to read

Our library houses over 500,000 books. Recently refurbished, you can enjoy a contemporary study hub. Our Maker Space has facilities for 3D scanning, 3D printing and learning about the basics of coding.

Wide view of the library
Our modern library

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